Why a written request matters
SEN support is the graduated approach mainstream schools must use for pupils with SEN. It does not require an EHCP and is funded from the school's notional SEN budget (approximately £6,000 per pupil per year). A written request:
- Creates a clear, dated record that you raised concerns
- Triggers the SENDCO's responsibility to formally consider whether your child has SEN
- Provides evidence later if you apply for an EHC needs assessment
- Forces a written response — useful if the school later disputes what was agreed
- Helps if you need to escalate to the LA, the LGSCO, or the SEND Tribunal
The legal framework
Section 20 of the Children and Families Act 2014 defines a child as having SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability that calls for special educational provision to be made. Chapter 6 of the SEND Code of Practice 2015 sets out the school's duty to identify and respond to SEN through a four-stage cycle: assess, plan, do, review. Regulation 51 of the SEND Regulations 2014 requires every mainstream school to publish an SEN information report describing how it identifies and supports pupils with SEN. Schools also have a duty under section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils.
How to write your request
- 1
Gather what you already have
Collect any reports, school progress data, diagnosis letters, and your own observations. Note specific examples of where your child is struggling — academically, socially, emotionally, or with attendance.
- 2
Read the school's SEN information report
Every mainstream school must publish one (regulation 51, SEND Regulations 2014). It tells you who the SENDCO is and what SEN support the school normally provides. Reference it in your letter.
- 3
Address the letter to the SENDCO
Copy in the headteacher and (if relevant) the class teacher. Use a clear subject line such as 'Request for SEN support — [child's name, class]'.
- 4
State the difficulty and the provision you are asking for
Describe the difficulties in plain language, link them to the legal definition of SEN under section 20 CFA 2014, and ask the school to begin the 'assess, plan, do, review' cycle. Suggest specific provision if you have ideas.
- 5
Ask for a written response within a deadline
Request a response within 15 school days, including a meeting date and a written plan. This puts the school on notice and creates a record.
- 6
Keep a copy and follow up
Email is best — it timestamps your request. If you do not get a response within your deadline, send a polite chaser. If the school refuses or stalls, consider applying to the LA directly for an EHC needs assessment.
Sample structure
You can adapt the structure below. Keep it factual, polite, and specific.
Subject: Request for SEN support — [child's name, class/year]
To: [SENDCO name]
Cc: [Headteacher name]
Dear [SENDCO name],
I am writing to request that the school identifies my child, [name], as having special educational needs under section 20 of the Children and Families Act 2014, and begins the 'assess, plan, do, review' cycle described in Chapter 6 of the SEND Code of Practice 2015.
The difficulties I have observed include: [3–5 specific examples — academic, social, emotional, sensory, attendance].
The professional evidence I have so far is: [list reports, diagnoses, letters].
Please confirm in writing within 15 school days: (1) whether the school agrees that my child has SEN, (2) what assessment the school will carry out, (3) the date of our planning meeting, and (4) the SEN provision the school will put in place.
I have attached [list documents] for your reference. I would also be grateful if you could share the school's SEN information report and confirm what is normally available within your notional SEN budget.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Documents and evidence to gather
- Any diagnosis letters or clinical reports
- School progress data, attendance records, behaviour logs
- Reports from professionals (EP, SALT, OT, paediatrician, CAMHS)
- Examples of work showing the difficulty
- A list of the specific concerns you want addressed
- The school's SEN information report (download from the school website)
Before you send the letter
- You have read the school's SEN information report
- You have identified the SENDCO by name
- You have specific examples of difficulty, not just general concerns
- You have referenced section 20 CFA 2014 and Chapter 6 of the Code of Practice
- You have asked for a written response within 15 school days
- You have kept a copy and a record of when you sent it
Common problems and how to handle them
- School says 'we'll keep an eye on it' — ask for the assess phase to start formally and a date for it
- School says 'no diagnosis, no SEN' — quote Chapter 6 of the Code of Practice; SEN is needs-led, not diagnosis-led
- School delays — send a chaser after 15 school days and copy in the headteacher
- School says budget will not cover what is needed — that may itself be evidence the EHCP threshold is met
- Repeated SEN support cycles with no progress — apply for an EHC needs assessment yourself under section 36 CFA 2014
What your pack includes
- Editable letter template tailored to your child's profile
- Difficulties tracker — turning daily observations into Tribunal-ready evidence
- Graduated approach (assess, plan, do, review) framework
- Escalation pack if SEN support is refused or insufficient
- Direct route into an EHC needs assessment request letter if needed